IT Pro Education - Learn About and Sharpen Your Virtualization Skills

Introduction

Any more virtualization is a key role in any environment because it can help you cut costs, get more out of your hardware and licensing, not to mention the greater flexibility for us who have to support said servers!

But what if you are new to virtualization? Well, this how to is here to help. Complete with links to free learning resources! Be sure to check the reference section of this how-to for guides, videos, radio, blogs and more!

Steps
(4 total)

1

What is this virtualization thingy you and everyone else keeps talking about?

Virtualization is essentially allowing you to run multiple servers at once on the same hardware. You manage the servers and the roles they run just as you always have but they run together on a single host system instead of each one on its own physical server.

But I don't want all my eggs in one basket!

Neither do I, thats why you have technologies, for example, such as Hyper-v replica that allow you to copy your virtual servers to other hardware. This way if you have a physical server go down you just boot your virtual servers on another box and you are up and running.

I still don't get it. Why should I virtualize?

Think of this, most servers sit idle or use very minimal resources. Why not take advantage of those resources?! Otherwise its just lost. Not to mention Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard allows you to either run a single physical server OR up to two virtual instances on a single host. If you don't virtualize your are costing your company considerably!

OK sounds good. Now what?

On to the next step! Lets get learning!

2

Getting Started

Best part about Virtualization is its completely free. Hyper-v comes with Windows Server 2012 R2 or you can download it from the Technet eval center (don't worry, its free forever to use!). Just check the reference section of this how-to for the download link!

Now lets start learning. Check the reference section of this how to for some great links to help you get started learning Hyper-v.

3

Create a Lab

Got a spare server or good desktop laying around? You don't need much, just something that will meet the minimum specs. A lab isn't running production, just helps you learn. And the best way to learn is by doing!

4

Wait... I don't have any Licenses to Learn With!

No problem, check the references links to download Windows Server 2012 R2. You have a full 180 days to tinker with a complete version of Windows Server 2012 R2. You can test and do anything you need to to help you learn.

Conclusion

As you can see Microsoft has some great learning resources to help you get started with virtualization and help you become a better IT Professional. And the best part is, they are all free. From online videos, radio, articles, blogs, and more!

I hope you find this how-to helpful in getting you pointed in the right direction.